A MANCHESTER-based printing chain's total monthly sales have broken the £1m barrier.

Printing.com, which has 19 stores and 39 franchise operations across the UK, said the performance in the four weeks to December 7 continued the strong trading record seen since the end of the summer.

The £1m-plus sales compared with a figure of £770,000 a year earlier and is the first time the company has broken through the barrier.

Printing.com, which was founded in 1992, prints items including leaflets and promotional cards for individuals as well as small and medium-sized companies.

Chief executive Tony Rafferty said the Ofex-quoted company had benefited from renewed confidence among its business customers.

He added: "We are seeing a greater willingness among our clients to invest in things like mail shots and other promotional products."

The company, which operates from Deansgate and Trafford Park, plans to open two more franchised stores in Lancaster and Watford as to seize upon a "substantial opportunity" for growth.

Mr Rafferty added: "Despite the rapid growth in sales, it is estimated that the Printing.com volumes are under 20 per cent of those of the market leader and in the order of one per cent of the overall available market."

The company, which generated sales of £7.7m in the year to March 31, said net invoiced sales - stripping out the element taken by the franchisee - were £831,000 in the four-week period compared with £688,000 a year earlier.